I want to thank The Herald for its thoughtful coverage of the election contest between incumbent Mayor Ray Stephanson and challenger Ron Gipson. I’d been having trouble making up my mind and this paper has helped me decide.
I’m an active Democratic Party worker and Ray came before a meeting of my legislative district and asked for our endorsement, assuring us that, though the race is officially nonpartisan, in fact he is a Democrat. I don’t remember for sure, but I probably voted in favor of the motion to endorse him – he’s a very likable guy.
I like Everett. Since moving into the city four years ago, I’ve found living here a pleasant surprise. But I liked it a lot more before they built that Events Center and I miss the little shops that it displaced. I’m troubled by Ray’s approach to growth and development. I am dismayed by the looming condos we’re assured will enhance our waterfront; I see them as blight, instead of blessing. When they’re built, I’ll like this town a lot less.
I’ve concluded that this mayor is most comfortable with people who have a lot more money than I ever made and more than most of us will ever have. His policies will make this town more comfortable for them, but much less so for me and most of the people I know. Yet another case of benefiting the few, at the expense, and to the detriment, of the many.
And so I’ve decided to vote for Ron Gipson. It’s probably too late to stop the condo juggernaut, but maybe he can give us a change of direction. It’s worth a try.
Norman K. Marsh
Everett
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